About the Program

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in General Studies is the ideal degree completion program for self-directed students who desire a program they can tailor to their personal and professional interests. The program covers the fundamentals of a university education while allowing students to exhibit intellectual interest and discipline across a broad range of college-level coursework. A general studies degree informs employers of a graduate’s ability to think creatively when problem solving and work independently at a high level with a minimum of direction.

General studies students have more options for courses which apply to their degree requirements when they register for a given term. The flexibility to study subjects which have produced some of the greatest ideas, innovations and art in recorded history, can be both a personally and professionally rewarding benefit of a general studies degree.

Designed for individuals with a diverse college background and varied educational interests that cannot be captured in a single degree program. Students have the opportunity to experiment in a variety of academic subjects through a generous amount of free electives.

The ability to include minors within the General Studies major can be of great value to working adults who are seeking advancement or a change in their employment. Adult learners looking to improve their earning potential often find that a degree makes them eligible for higher-level positions within their organizations or others.

The Goodwin General Studies degree completion program offers students evening and online options to make it as convenient as possible for working adults to take advantage of the opportunity to return to school and complete their college degree.

Advising

Students in the BS in General Studies program are advised by an academic advisor (determined alphabetically by last name) who serves as an important resource to students as they progress and manage their educational and career goals.

Students receive one-on-one personal advisement to ensure that educational and professional objectives are met within the course of study.

Degree Requirements

This program is designed for individuals with a diverse college background and varied educational interests that cannot be captured in a single degree program. In consultation with their academic advisor, students have the opportunity to experiment in a variety of academic subjects through a generous amount of free electives. An attractive feature is that students can complete minors en route to their degree.

As students choose electives from the categories below, a minimum of 36.0 credits must be upper-level courses (typically 300-level and above).

Natural Science Electives

Students select 9.0 credits from the following: ANAT, BIO, CHEM, FDSC, NFS, PHEV, PHYS. Courses from other departments may be considered with advisor approval.

9.0

Specialization Requirements

Students must complete 45.0 credits within an area of specialization. The specialization is a set of courses built around a cohesive area of study. An academic advisor must pre-approve the specialization. The specialization will not appear on the student transcript.

45.0

Liberal Studies Requirements

Students must complete 36.0 credits in Liberal Studies, covering a range of subject areas in the humanities and/or social sciences: anthropology, psychology, sociology, political science, history, philosophy, religion, literature and fine arts. (Arts history or appreciation courses, rather than applied courses.)

36.0

Free Electives

60.0

Total Credits

180.0

*

Courses older than three years will not be transferred into the curriculum.

Co-op/Career Opportunities

A well-rounded education results in an enriched view of the world. Full-time students majoring in General Studies find careers in diverse areas, taking skills they learn at Drexel to their future endeavors.

Some General Studies students are already established in their careers and simply need a bachelor's degree to move into higher positions within their organizations and industries and/or to pursue a master's degree.

Goodwin College's General Studies BS degree is designed for students planning to pursue graduate studies in various professional areas.

Writing-intensive Requirements

In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.

For additional information, and an up-to-date list of the writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Drexel University Writing Center page